Best Irons For Mid Handicapper Golfers (2018) – Buyer’s Guide

Hitting mid handicap means having to play with a certain set of irons. You know the ones that are specifically designed so you can reach the next stage of the game. But the market is flooded with a sea of options. And that makes choosing the best irons for mid handicapper a tricky task.

Fortunately, the majority of irons sets deliver great distance. And that too with maximum forgiveness! So these are the types of golf clubs you should be looking for. Not the kind that are either poor quality or those that don’t exceed expectations.

But you know what; consider yourself lucky as I’ve searched for and shortlisted the best options on the current market. Only for you!

1.Callaway Men’s XR Iron Set – The Best Lightweight Irons for Mid Handicappers

As far as the best game improvement golf equipment is concerned, every list is incomplete without this particular pick. The Callaway Men’s XR Iron Setis crafted for speed and speed alone. The phenomenal Cup 360 technology of fairways woods is brought into existence in these irons too. The improved feature redefines ball speed like no other.

What it does is serve as a spring for the shots that you tend to hit lower on that clubface. As a result of which speed increases all across the face. So the distance achieved at such times is quite remarkable.

And wait, there’s more. Ever heard about the unique Internal Standing Wave? Callaway has added such an element into the irons to lower CG (center of gravity) and increase MOI (moment of inertia). In fact, it even provides more flex to the cup of the clubface. And that also contributes to maximizing distance.

So now you understand why it’s important to get these best irons for mid handicapper!

When an iron is able to deliver so much speed, it’s designed with special attention and refinement. So in the case of the Callaway XR, the clubs have a lightweight two-piece structure. One that includes double heat treatment! And this is nothing but meticulous, precise craftsmanship that the set deserves.

The sad part about the Callaway Men’s XR Set is that it doesn’t deliver much feedback. Even when you mishit, the flight of the ball remains unaffected. So in that sense, you won’t know where that ball is headed based on the feel.

We Like

The irons offer the most forgiveness.

​They have shock absorbing properties.

Distance control is part of the game.

We Don't Like

They fail to provide any impact feel.

XR Irons: Technology Built For Speed

Ask any golfer that has used these irons, and he/she won’t stop raving about how easy they are to hit. The TaylorMade Men’s M2 Golf Iron Set has a special kind of a construction. It features thin-thick fluted hosel structure. Such a design uses some of the hosel weight in the clubhead region. And in my opinion, that’s a pretty huge advantage. As it performs three important functions! It lowers CG, promotes greater golf ball speed, and increases launch.

These best irons for mid handicapper are also packed with another remarkable technology. It comes in the form of 360 Degree Undercut. This particular element expands the clubface, only the unsupported area. And that, in turn, maximizes ball speed all across the clubface. Plus, it does so while also lowering the CG further.

So if you’re looking for an iron to improve distance. And that too without compromising the high trajectory, you’re in the right place. The TaylorMade Men’s M2 Golf Iron Set is created to deliver such an advantage!

The number of unique features the club is equipped with is quite impressive. But it’s the combination of these two features that you might appreciate the most. As it enables consistent, fast ball speed across the clubface! The two components are Speed Pocket and Thin Clubface Inverted Cone.

The company makes M2 Golf Irons with a graphite and steel shaft. The steel shaft offers excellent consistency and power. But the graphite version is not the same.

We Like

The TaylorMade irons are plenty forgiving, even on mishits.

They produce high trajectory with soft landing.

We Don't Like

The infamous graphite set is not high performing.

Better Everything — M1 and M2 irons

3.Adams New Idea Hybrid Irons Set – The Most Affordable Irons for Mid Handicappers

For the kind of money you shell out for these, they provide nothing short of dependable performance. But that’s not the only thing to look forward to here. The Adams New Idea Hybrid Irons Set offers a sea of exceptional features.

The company, Adams Golf manufactures the set in both graphite and steel shafts. The whole package includes three long irons, the hybrid ones from 5-3. And the standard 6-PW wedges/irons. Each club is designed in such a way that hitting it is not difficult or complicated. In any way!

As a mid-handicapper, you’ll also be quite relieved to know that the irons have an improved slot design. Such a structure creates spring-like action all across the clubface. This means an increased sweet spot, right? And with that, you get maximum forgiveness.

So what’s the difference between these best irons for mid handicapper and the previous models? Well, there’s only one. And a major one at that! It’s none other than the unique wraparound slot composition.

In all, the Adams New Idea Hybrid Irons are easy and comfortable to hit. Plus, they offer forgiveness in abundance. So you won’t be disappointed with the performance level here.

During the trial, I found the set to exceed all my expectations. It allows you to strike the irons and hybrids consistently. And that helps in achieving more yardage, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, the Adams New Idea Hybrid Irons Set doesn’t have the ability to increase ball speed. It does everything but that. So you’re better off with another set if speed is your primary concern.

Let me begin by highlighting the design structure of the Mizuno JPX EZ Forged Irons. They are constructed with a material that delivers nothing but a consistent, solid feel. The exceptional Power Frame places the weight of the club in 4 corners to improve the forgiveness factor.

On top of that, the sole design offers a unique edge for shots that arrive at and leave the turf. And that too with playability and ease on all kinds of lies! The wider surface of the sole goes a long way in lowering sweet spot. And the outcome is an impressive ball flight.

So if you’re a mid-handicap player looking to gain forgiveness. One that doesn’t sacrifice the feel of a forged club, then this might be an ideal choice.

Since we’re on the subject, the forged clubhead is quite large. But that doesn’t make the irons bulky or chunky in any way. Overall, the set offers great feedback with tons of forgiveness.

The sleek design of the Mizuno JPX EZ Forged Irons is also a praiseworthy feature. The clubs have a fantastic anti-glare coating. So every little detail is well defined to make the experience as convenient as you like.

But there’s one major problem with this particular finish. It tends to scratch sooner than you can even begin to imagine. A satin coating, on the other hand, would have been better.

Mizuno JPX EZ Forged Iron

Callaway doesn’t fail at making a powerful statement. As far as the best irons for mid handicappers are concerned! And that brings the phenomenal Callaway Men’s Apex CF16 Iron Set into the picture.

The clubs have a forged structure, which also incorporates forgiveness. That comes in the form of face and perimeter-weighting technology! These components also add speed, especially to shots that are off-center.

The unique Cup 360 feature is another notable part of the set. The technology redefines ball speed. And that too consistently! But it’s the exceptional ball flight that you might appreciate the most. Thanks to the progressive sole width, offset, notch weighting, and CG height. These elements also deliver enough control and forgiveness.

Furthermore, there’s the excellent combination of both long and short irons. The long irons contain additional offset while the short ones have a compact shape with minimal offset. The latter brings tons of control and feel into the mix. And the former is great at providing the kind of forgiveness you demand. So you need not worry about scoring performance, am I right?

How about the construction of the Callaway Men’s Apex CF16 Iron? It has a multi-piece, high-tech composition to give you the best results. And these come in the form of control, feel, and distance.

Only when you compare the Apex CF16 to the super game improvement clubs does the drawback present itself. The head of the irons I’m currently reviewing is relatively smaller. And that can be slightly intimidating when you’re facing the ball on the turf.

6.Cobra KING F6 Iron Set – The Best Golf Irons Ever for Game Improvement

Looking for the best golf irons for mid handicapper and/or game improvement? If that’s the case, you can put an end to that search. And allow me to introduce you to the Cobra KING F6 Iron Set.

The thing about Cobra is that it employs many technologies to provide everything that you require. As a mid-handicap golfer! So it doesn’t matter if you hit and swing low, the ball remains high up. In fact, it even flies farther.

But how is something like this possible, am I right? You have nothing but the high-performing channel soles to hold responsible for that. Even the special TOP technology contributes to the success story. This gives you additional clubface flex. What’s more is that it lowers CG so much so that the ball lifts high enough despite mishit.

What about the design of the Cobra KING F6 Iron? The clubs have a nickel chrome surface with gunmetal PVD finish. Such a composition offers more than just an impressive physical appearance. The coating and plating bring maximum durability to the table. So what more do you need, right!

How about the construction of the Callaway Men’s Apex CF16 Iron? It has a multi-piece, high-tech composition to give you the best results. And these come in the form of control, feel, and distance.

Let’s talk about the grip of the Cobra KING F6 Irons. In that department, you might experience a major disappointment. These stock grips aren’t soft enough. And that’s how the comfort factor takes a hit.

We Like

The Cobra irons are light in weight.

The engineered sole adds more flex.

We Don't Like

The grip lacks optimal softness.

KING F6 IRONS - TECHNOLOGY

7.TaylorMade Men’s RSi1 Iron Set – The Best Mid Handicapper Irons for Mishits

If you don’t love your mishits, then you’ll start doing so soon enough. Especially with the help of the TaylorMade Men’s RSi1 Iron Set! So before I begin describing the features, here’s something you ought to know. TaylorMade offers graphite and steel flex shafts. And left and right-hand orientations! Isn’t that amazing!

Moving on, the longer clubs are packed with the remarkable face slot component. Furthermore, the wedges and 8-iron contain a cavity back structure. These features might have different names, but they perform one primary function. And that is to improve the sweet spot. In fact, they also increase the response rate on your off-center strikes.

The sound and feel that you get with these best irons for mid handicapper are also top-notch. Thanks to the unique dampening system and advanced construction.

But it’s the design and location of the two slots that I found to be very useful. Both the slots are installed near the toe and heel of that clubface. And they do an excellent job at providing uniform flex throughout the face.

So if what you’re worried about is hitting off-center shots, then nothing beats the functionality of this particular set. The irons not only protect ball speed but also generate additional, consistence distance.

Here’s the most compelling aspect that I would like to bring to your attention. The TaylorMade RSi1 is lightweight, thus easy to strike. And what makes the experience even more comfortable is the presence of excellent grips.

So what’s the problem in this case? It’s the durability of the clubs that can be subjected to doubt.

We Like

The TaylorMade irons produce longer, higher shots.

​Due to the lightweight structure, swinging them is easy.

The clubhead is well-shaped.

We Don't Like

The graphite version is not for everyone.

Durability is a weak factor.

Introducing RSi Irons

8.Adams Golf Men’s New Idea Iron Set – The Best Irons for Average Mid-Handicappers

What defines a mid-handicap golfer? A slow or average swing speed, am I right? In that case, Adams outstanding slot technology makes the set an ideal pick. This is the non-hybrid iron set suitable for mid handicappers. Unlike the hybrid version reviewed earlier. So let’s find out what it has to offer.

First, I’m going to talk about the wraparound slot feature. The slot is a component installed on the heel all the way to the toe. And what the thing does is provide a larger surface area for those common mishits.

Furthermore, the cut-through groove is responsible for nothing but improving launch. So you get straighter shots, which travel faster and farther. So that’s the kind of experience you should expect from these best irons for mid handicapper.

I would also like to add that the set consists of 3 scoring irons. These help you focus on your target. In fact, they also provide maximum assistance with approach shots. So you can rely on the lightweight design of the clubs despite being a beginner or senior golfer.

Adams has set the New Idea Irons apart from the rest. And I know this because all of the company’s previous models are not equipped with the unique slot technology. It’s only this and the hybrid set that enjoys the upper hand.

Let me also bring to your notice that the clubs here have a rounded head at the top. Such a structure tends to cause alignment problems in certain cases.

Mizuno is a golf equipment manufacturing company known to produce high-quality clubs. Especially iron sets! So except nothing short of maximum durability with these best irons for mid handicapper!

The Mizuno Golf Men’s JPX-900 Hot Metal Irons offer the best of both worlds. By that, I mean the clubs deliver cavity back design forgiveness and blade design workability. So you get to make the most of both the structures.

By creating the JPX-900, Mizuno has managed to place the hottest and longest irons on the current market. They have a new material construction. One that yields an increased weight to strength ratio! Such a composition enables the unique 360-degree single cup clubface to provide a larger rebound area. And this is deep and low enough in the clubhead of the iron with an incredibly thin face.

In simple words, the Mizuno Golf JPX-900 Hot Metal Irons give you more ball speed and greater forgiveness. On top of that, the PowerFrame design adds more stability to every shot. In the form of weight distribution! And it does so without making the club too bulky.

So as far as the performance level is concerned, there’s no room for doubt.

As a mid-handicap golfer, you want benefits like high launch and aggressive ball speed. If that’s the case, then you need the hottest and longest irons at your disposal. So here’s your reason to consider the Mizuno Golf Men’s JPX-900 Hot Metal Iron Set.

The thing about golf clubs is that you ought to use them with care. Any sort of rough or misuse and they begin to show signs of wear. In that sense, the pick at hand can withstand the test of time. Even so, its ability to develop scratches is quite poor. And that might ruin the aesthetically pleasing appearance after a few months.

We Like

The Mizuno irons offer maximum ball speed retention.

The improved construction adds strength to clubhead and softness to feel.

We Don't Like

They tend to scratch easily.

Mizuno JPX900 HOT METAL iron - Full length R&D film

The last pick is another option by Callaway. This time, I’m discussing a high-end (in terms of quality) iron set. The Callaway Men’s Big Bertha Irons are crafted to deliver a combination of durability and forgiveness. So buying them might be the best decision you ever make in the game of golf!

Now, let’s talk features. These best irons for mid handicapper have a phenomenal 360-degree face cup. Just like the other Callaway models on the list, right? Such a technology is something that you get with woods. But the manufacturer has added it to irons as well. So you can achieve the much-needed distance with minimum shots.

Even when it comes to forgiveness and accuracy, the clubs don’t let you down. During testing, the irons didn’t affect trajectory despite striking the ball off center. And there’s nothing more convincing than that!

Now I know that such an advantage is a result of a larger clubhead. But that’s not the case here. Because Callaway doesn’t want you to waste time working your way around an increased clubhead. So despite being regular-sized, the heads offer a great launch with maximum forgiveness. And isn’t that something!

There’s a reason why the Callaway Big Bertha Irons can facilitate tons of forgiveness. The only explanation is the exceptional hollow body structure. This is responsible for the distribution of club weight. So the ball flies farther and higher with greater speed and flight stability.

The most disappointing part is the lack of lightweight design. Not that the clubs are heavyweight. They might seem comparatively bulkier than the rest.

We Like

The Callaway irons are well-balanced.

​The excessive forgiveness is a strong factor.

The set includes hybrids.

We Don't Like

They are not long enough.

Not light in weight either.

Internal Standing Wave technology in Big Bertha Irons

Buyer’s Guide of the Best Irons for Mid Handicapper

Here’s a fun fact. Almost 44 percent of the golfer population falls into the category of mid handicap. Don’t believe me? Check this out!

So what does that tell you? It means that golf equipment manufacturing companies have a significant demographic to take into account. As a result of which the number of game improvement clubs keeps increasing every year. This is both good and bad news for mid handicap players, am I right?

Good news because of the many versatile options now available. And the bad news is figuring out how to differentiate between the best irons for mid handicapper and the worst.

So now I would like to add an important point. Across the various price points and manufacturers, the best game improvement sets have particular defining features that make the clubs easy to identify. And in this guide, I’m going to discuss those very characteristics.

So are you ready to shave a few points off your handicap?

Difference Between Mid Handicap and Low Handicap Iron Sets

As a golfer, you already know how resourceful irons are when it comes to negotiating numerous challenges on the course. No club or set of clubs is more functional than irons between the green and fairway, right?

In that context, the best ones for game improvement make life much easier on that fairway. And not only that, they also help in achieving better accuracy and swing. So it’s time to find out the distinctive characteristics that contribute to improving your game as a mid-handicapper.

1. Absence of The Long Irons

Irons 4-1 are considered to be clubs for expert golfers. It’s not that mid-level and novice players can’t use them. But they find these types of irons too complicated to work with. The clubs are designed to improve skills as well as distance. So they have a small clubhead, low loft, and long shaft. And the outcome is a limited sweet spot.

In that case, if you’re an inexperienced golfer handling this kind of a long iron, you might miss making that connection with the club. So this is the primary reason why the best irons for mid handicapper don’t offer long irons.

2. Presence of The Hybrid Irons

The thing is that hybrid irons are useful for shorter holes. So it’s a huge disappointment when manufacturers don’t include them in game improvement sets. A hybrid iron delivers more distance on longer par 5/6 or par 4 holes.

These golf clubs are a perfect combination of long irons, fairway woods, and drivers. So you get the best of not both but all the three worlds. The outcome is nothing short of a decent middle-ground performance. Something that mid handicappers aim to achieve in order to improve distance!

3. Increased Forgiveness, Higher Lofts, and Bigger Clubheads

The best irons for mid handicapper are designed with unique cast heads. Other structure improvements include broader sweet spot, increased loft angle, and larger soles.

More often than not, such irons feature a special cavity back pattern. This particular arrangement consists of a hollow right behind the clubhead. And that transfers all the weight towards the corners.

So are you a golfer that ends up skewing the third or second shots into either the sand traps or rough? If so, then consider switching to such game improvement sets of irons.

Choosing the Best Irons for Mid Handicapper

So what’s the general advice? If that’s what you’re wondering, this is the section to read.

Let me begin by stating that you should stay away from cheap or low-quality sets, no matter what. Failing to do so might have negative, long-term repercussions on the overall performance. And more so if you’re a mid-handicap golfer!

The market may be flooded with a slew of options, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t well developed. What I’m trying to say is that along with cheap sets, you’ll also find high-quality ones. So let’s find out how to choose the latter!

Avoid Blade and Muscle Back Designs

Average players find blade and muscle back designs to be more advanced for their particular set of skills. Only if you possess the ability to hit that sweet spot at every shot can you make the most out of the situation.

But don’t worry; once you enter the sub-10 bracket of handicap, you’re all set for such advanced designs.

Forged Head vs. Cast Head

Most of the brands in the industry design iron sets that are targeted at specific consumer groups. In that regard, the forged version of clubheads is more focused towards expert golfers. Plus, it’s more expensive.

On the other hand, cast head structures are cheaper and mass produced. These golf clubs are the ones that are more accessible and forgiving to average players. So the majority of game improvement golf clubs fall into the affordable cast head category.

Manage Shaft Consistency

Regular flex type of steel shafts are ideal for wedges and irons if you don’t have any major issues with swing speed. These have the ability to deliver a stable shot feedback and feel.

But if your primary concern is achieving more distance, the graphite shaft might seem like a more suitable choice. And why not when it can offer increased speed on your shots! (Do shafts matter?)

However, as a rule of thumb, avoid mixing graphite and steel irons. And that’s because each shaft offers a distinctive impact on the swing action. So just pick one and go with it, unless you wish to ruin the mechanics of your swing.

Final Score

Mid-handicap golfers are a wide, diverse demographic. Due to which, choosing the best irons for mid handicapper is a complicated task. You might not end up getting what you want. So you have to keep certain important factors in mind. These include sheer accessibility, improved performance, and adequate forgiveness.

With that in mind, I can only think of one pick from the lot that can provide all three benefits. It’s the TaylorMade Men’s M2 Golf Iron Set. Let me begin by stating that the weight distribution of the clubs is comparatively lower. And it’s this particular design feature that promotes better ball speed and launch.

Considering that they are the best irons for mid handicapper, there’s a lot more to look forward to. The phenomenal 360 degrees Undercut technology allows higher lofts to increase distance. And that too without messing with trajectory! On top of that, the unique 3D Badging feature takes care of sound. While also eliminating unnecessary vibrations! And that means superior feel.

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Felicia Taylor

Hello, fellow golfers, I’m Felicia Taylor and as a professional golfer, but I am also just another golfing enthusiast like you, who simply wants to enjoy the sport without constantly worrying about achieving perfection. My goal is to help you get better at the game by spreading the joy that I experience when I’m on that turf.

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